What's wrong with these people? It's like they're just giving it up to their miserable condition. Give up on their pathetic situation. At least, that's what Marni thought.
Her husband's meeting with a rsi ignited Marni's spirit. She is sure that Aryan will be able to change the face of the slum area of Vashara for the better in the future, it is said that also with the dignity of her family.
With all the requests of the old hermit that her husband conveyed to her, Marni was quite sure that Aryan must have a great destiny to be able to change the life that is so lame today.
Because of that, Marni then took a walk in the Vashara area just to overhear people's conversations. Maybe that way she will get the important information she wants.
She hoped.
From morning to afternoon Marni stepped from one crowd to another. Every time she sees people gathering and talking about something, Marni approaches the group. In a rundown market that only sells low-grade groceries. Amid the busyness of many people who had just returned from fishing at the gulf. In every crowd, Marni always tries. Sometimes, she asked but only got ridicule from them.
Why make fun of it? Aren't they also from the same caste as her? Even if they can't help her in trying to find her son a teacher, isn't it better to simply say "I don't know" or to keep quiet?
Sometimes, Marni gets annoyed with the nature and attitude of the people in this Vashara land.
But Marni wasn't discouraged at all. She kept looking and searching.
"Marni...!"
Marni turned to the source of the voice that was quite familiar in her ears. Yes, it was the voice of the fat man who owned the large building. The same man where Munra sold grass to him yesterday.
"Come here...!" asked the Juragan.
Marni approached a building that looked more like a large stall. The Juragan just smiled at Marni while moving the pandan leaf fan in his hand.
"What is it, Juragan?" Marni asked with a bow.
"Has Munra come home yet?" asked the Juragan. Marni shook her head. "Then what are you looking for? I see you've been pacing since earlier. Did you scavenge that pile of trash at the gulf?"
The middle-aged woman took a deep breath. Unless you are kind enough to give me a handful of rice for me to eat with my husband and my son, then I won't be able to scavenge that garbage, Marni thought. That's even if I go to scavenging the stinking garbage.
However, keeping Aryan's identity a secret is a top priority, so Marni responded to the question of the shirtless man in his rocking chair by nodding her head.
"Oh Marni, Marni ..." the fat merchant chuckled while shaking his head.
The grin on the man's lips made Marni must be able to restrain herself from venting her anger. If that happens, then bad luck will befall Marni even worse. Because the merchants with the title Juragan were coming from the Waisya caste. Of course, their position was higher than Marni, who was only a Sudra.
"Too bad… if only you were twenty years younger, you'd be able to collect coins better."
Marni felt her anger was so great to hear the merchant's words. Making money in a better way, you say? It's like you're telling me to be a prostitute.
However, Marni did not deny that many women from among the Sudras took that path. Selling their pride just to get better food. Because of that, once again Marni could only swallow the words of the merchant who was so condescending to her.
But wait a minute! Marni racked her brain. Might be there is a loophole, an opportunity to bring in a teacher who is willing to teach Aryan to write and read.
No matter what kind of risk you have to take, Marni has promised her husband to do anything for Aryan.
"That's right, Juragan," said Marni. The annoyed look that had appeared on the middle-aged woman's face disappeared in an instant. "Unfortunately, I am only a woman who is already half a century old."
The merchant laughed, the pandan leaf fan in his hand constantly moving, fanning his bulging chest and stomach.
"Come on, Marni..." The merchant moved his left hand, asking Marni to get closer.
The front brick wall was only waist-high so Marni could easily see the merchant wearing only a sarong from the waist down.
Then, in a low voice, the merchant said, "If you are willing to suck my dick, I will give you three copper coins."
That's right, you bastard! Marni cursed in her heart. She was still standing in her position outside while the merchant was inside the stall, but Marni's gaze was like two sharp blades preparing to cut off that man's throat.
However, the merchant's offer was not without reason. Even though Marni is already 50 years old, her face and body still look ten years younger. After all, the remnants of Marni's beauty can still be seen clearly.
Imagine when Marni was young?
"You think it's still not enough?" the Juragan smirked. "How about I add a handful of rice? Come on, Marni… while my wife and my kids are away. You still look beautiful to me."
"Where are the female slaves that you have, Juragan?"
"They accompanied my wife and the kids, Marni. Besides, I just feel sorry to see you pacing around. Are you willing to do it?"
Seriously! Felt sorry for me, huh? But Marni had other thoughts. If she did this and it could help her efforts, Marni might be willing to do the merchant's request.
But before that, Marni must confirm one thing first.
"I would probably consider your offer, Juragan," Marni said. "In return, I want neither coins nor rice."
The merchant chuckled and nodded. "Oh, you Sudras! Always a lot of drama. Okay! Tell me, Marni, what are you asking for in return?"
TO BE CONTINUED ...